The Black Keys’s art director Michael Carney won a Grammy for the packaging of the the Black Keys’s album Brothers. The Black Keys also won Grammy’s for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocals.

I interviewed Michael Carney back in December for an article that I wrote in the Other Paper when he was initially nominated.

Here is the full interview where Mike talks about what is unique about Brother’s packaging, CCAD, Columbus, and more.

Where were you when you found out you were nominated officially?

I was in my apartment in Fort Greene with my friend Mike Swen refreshing the Grammy’s website when my brother called and told me.

In this age of downloading…what role do you think art direction plays in what gets purchased, and what gets downloaded?

I have found in the past few years larger labels are actually willing to go over the top when it comes to packaging. It seems like right now it is really easy to get people to listen to your music, but to get people to actually buy it is a whole different story. There are so many bands that seem like they are huge because they get tons of press, but they don’t actually sell any records.

I don’t think good art direction means that a record will sell, but I do think that bad art direction could easily keep your record from selling. Continue reading →

The Black Keys, the blues-rock duo featuring Akron natives Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, received Grammy Award nominations in four categories, including best alternative music album for their latest release, “Brothers.”

The nominations were announced as part of an hour-long CBS special from Club Nokia in Los Angeles that featured performances by nominees such as Mars, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Train and Miranda Lambert. Winners will be announced on Feb. 13.
The Black Keys’ single “Tighten Up” is in the running for best rock song and best rock performance by a duo or group with vocals, while “Mud” is nominated for best rock instrumental performance.

Carney’s brother, Michael Carney, was nominated in the best recording package category for his art direction on “Brothers.”

Well, in my attempt of collecting everything columbus related, this cd came into my collection soon after it hit the streets. Not sure of the year but I would have to say it was in ’03 or ’04 when this was released.
Nicotime held most of the production on the comp. Meta4ce produced tracks 4 & 7. Furious styles prodcued tracks 5, 8, and 16. mixed by daniel and nicotime.
What makes this cd so great is all the appearances Continue reading →

So the Cav’s might have let us down Ohio…But The Black Keys are about to put Ohio on their back. First up.. the May 27 issue of Rolling Stone Magazine(Keith Richard cover).

Turn to page 48 and oops… a feature about the Akron duo. Let’s file this on some shit you don’t talk-about until it’s time type article. The article dives into Pat’s divorce, and how the turmoil strengthened Dan and Pat’s relationship. The article quotes donewaiting/bsa brother Michael Carney on the matter.

But this isn’t a sad story. It’s a 11:55 right before the band gears up to see how far they can take this Rock N Roll shit. And they got they mind right. Back in my day the kids woulda called it either bossed up or swag surfin.
Love the article. It conveys Pat’s sense of humor and mindset pretty well. And it has them clowning boring ass Band of Horses.

Issue on stands now. New Album drops Tuesday which same issue gives a glowing review,
Dream all you like but you best not sleep.